Around the Herd 5/6/2015: “A nightmare to block”

Awini "a nightmare to block"

Reddit user U/GreatOdInsRaven, or as you know him, Colorado offensive lineman, Alex Kelley, commented on a thread about the Pac-12's breakout spring players, defending former Air Force quarterback, and current Colorado linebacker, Jaleel Awini's place on an ESPN Pac-12 Blog list:

"He's actually a nightmare to block. I had trouble with him all spring, he's getting pretty big now he's about 6'1 220 now and he will only get bigger. I for one, am excited to see him play, he's lightning quick."

It would be a great development for the Buffs if Awini, who has never been short on athleticism, has found a place where he can contribute to the team.

Reed leaves the team

'Tis the season for attrition.

Every year around this time, it seems a few guys end up leaving the team, and this year will be no different. The first, Markeis Reed, a 6-foot-4 240 pound defensive end out of Napa, California.

Reed announced his departure from the football program on social media on Tuesday.

"I've been very fortunate to have accepted a full ride scholarship to CU. Thus far, it's been the best years of my life and I wouldn't want to go to any other school out there. But I had to make one of the hardest decisions, if not the hardest decision I've yet to make. I've decided, after lots of thought and conversation with my parents, that I will not play football for CU this season. I feel as if my mind and body just aren't in the competitive state they should be in. I will finish my last two semesters out at CU, graduate next spring and hopefully go on to a Master's program. … Love my teammates, coaches and everyone that has supported me and my football career. Go Buffs!"

Markeis was a part of Mike MacIntyre's first recruiting class at CU, and was a player manny had hoped could help rush the passer for the Buffs, but injuries plagued his short career at CU.

Can't blame a young man for wanting to focus on the bigger picture.

Big Rip showin' out

Yesterday, you heard about all the Buffaloes that will be getting a shot with NFL teams this year, but what about the Buffs doing work in the PIFL, or the Professional Indoor Football League. That's right, the PIFL is similar to the more popular Arena Football league, it was composed in 2012, and has 7 teams that are mostly based in the South.

Former Colorado linebacker, Doug Rippy, plays in the league for the Nashville Venom, and is this week's league Defensive Player of the Week.

Rippy, a rookie in the league recorded a whopping six sacks in the first half of the team's game against the Erie explosion.

“The defensive line has really played well the last four games,” the always humble Rippy told NashvilleVenom.com. “No such thing as an individual award for a team sport. The defensive line and secondary deserves a piece of this.”